Bloggers Unite in Acts of Kindness

While the internet is buzzing with the upcoming “Bloggers Unite in Acts of Kindness”, scheduled for 12-17-07, I’ve made the personal decision not to participate. Discussions began amongst BlogCatalog bloggers, trying to make a decision about what bloggers should unite and blog about this time, in regards to a specific social cause. Ideas and suggestions were exchanged, ultimately leading to the decision for all to perform “acts of kindness” towards others offline, and then blog about it on December 17th of this year.

I had participated in “Bloggers Unite Against Abuse” not long ago, and that was something I felt very comfortable doing, having had past experiences of abuse and a desire to bring awareness to the issue. This latest blogging effort doesn’t feel right deep down in my heart and soul. The theme of “Bloggers Unite in Acts of Kindness” is explained this way:

The Acts of Kindness theme aims at putting a human face on the bloggers responsible for so much good in the world. The goal is to expose their kindness and generosity as well as serve as an example to non-bloggers that volunteering for a charity, donating to a cause, or simply doing something kind for another person has a ripple effect around the world.

“Maybe 20,000 bloggers, vloggers, photographers will make a difference.”

It’s the holidays. It doesn’t matter how big or how small your act of kindness is. All that matters is that we unite as bloggers on December 17th and each do something kind and then come back and share our experiences on our blogs.

Be creative, take photos, display the letter you wrote or the email you sent, show a video of yourself painting someone’s house, bringing some less fortunate a meal or gift. Share the smiles you create by capturing it in a photo or a poem…..then share your experience with the rest of us.

While I have great respect and belief in the importance of doing “acts of kindness” towards others, regardless of the time of year, I have tremendous misgivings about broadcasting my own acts of kindness on my blog, for the whole world to read. For example, it is one thing for me to write about how kind Lucia has been towards me in our discussions regarding possibly moving my blogger blog to WordPress, or the kindness extended to me by Maurice for Stumbling my blog and suggesting I talk to Lucia. But, for me to write about the acts of kindness that I extend to others would be improper and screams of “Look at what I did!”, “See how great I am?!”, “Aren’t I Da Bomb?!

I can’t help but remember, “But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” The kindnesses I extend to others are not meant to be common knowledge, or plastered across the internet, but are known by those that matter most. The recipient and my God. There is no better prize than that for participating in acts of kindness.